The NFU is insisting that Government officials
consult directly with farmers in the worst affected areas of Cumbria and Devon
before making a decision on toughening foot and mouth slaughter following the
publication of two studies today.

The epidemiological studies make it quite clear that there should be a maximum
of 24 hours between identification and slaughter, which would ultimately
eradicate the disease.

The reports also state that there should be extended culls, likely to be to
3km, around infected zones in Cumbria and Devon.

At a meeting with Agriculture Minister Nick Brown, NFU President Ben Gill said
distraught farmers on the ground deserved nothing less than a clear explanation
of why this second recommendation may need to take place, and precisely what it
means.

He said: "The epidemiological studies provide a brutal warning on the
potential spread of the disease and it is clear that further tough action will
need to happen.

"But farmers need to hear this for themselves if they are to understand
why these grave measures may be the only way to stop the disease.

"Any extension of the slaughter policy must be done in consultation with
each of the areas involved to ensure that full account is taken of local
conditions.

"There is nothing magical about the 3km distance - any additional culling
must be based on the realities of the region rather than a pre-determined
figure.

"This underlines the crucial need to involve local farmers who are already
suffering severely and need to be involved in the practical
decision-making."